THE GATE KEEPER is the twentieth book in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series written by Charles Todd. This mystery historical fiction novel is a must read for fans of the series. While this is the twentieth book it can easily be read as a standalone novel but after reading you might want to read some of the other books. I managed to come in a little late to the series and this is my first book. How did I manage to miss the Inspector Ian Rutledge series?

This mystery series in different from most because there is no long-term romance involved. There is a short-term romance but nothing serious. I am not sure if all the novels are like this or just THE GATE KEEPER. There are many interesting characters throughout and some stand out more than others. I did feel that the overall story has a sad tone. The victims were such nice people whose lives were cut short for no real reason. While this helps to add mystery and suspense to the story it can be a bit depressing.

Todd has a creative way of describing time and characters within the story which manages to transport you in time to that era. A place where cottages are still heated with wood burning fireplaces, cars had to be hand cranked, telephones were far and few between, and ladies who love to wear hats with beautiful feathers. A time that was sweet and gentle in the country.

THE GATE KEEPER shares the story of Ian's much adored sister who gets married causing Ian to have a panic attack making him flee from London. While not paying attention while driving he almost hits a car that is stopped in the middle of the road. This is when Ian discovers a woman standing over a body. Everything takes a turn for the worse as the drama and mystery starts to unravel. Since he has no desire to return to London, he volunteers to take the case.

Todd has written a detailed story that is full of solid police work with creative and determined investigative work that does not stop until all questions are answered. While some readers will not like all the answers, it showcases just how realistic an investigation can be. The writing is exceptional with a well-planned out plot. I did find this a fast-paced read but only because I got so into the story I could not put it down. Now I want to read more from this series!

Book Summary

On a deserted road, late at night, Scotland Yard’s Ian Rutledge encounters a frightened woman standing over a body, launching an inquiry that leads him into the lair of a stealthy killer and the dangerous recesses of his own memories in this twentieth installment of the acclaimed New York Times bestselling series.

Hours after his sister’s wedding, a restless Ian Rutledge drives aimlessly, haunted by the past, and narrowly misses a motorcar stopped in the middle of a desolate road. Standing beside the vehicle is a woman with blood on her hands and a dead man at her feet.

She swears she didn’t kill Stephen Wentworth. A stranger stepped out in front of their motorcar, and without warning, fired a single shot before vanishing into the night. But there is no trace of him. And the shaken woman insists it all happened so quickly, she never saw the man’s face.

Although he is a witness after the fact, Rutledge persuades the Yard to give him the inquiry, since he’s on the scene. But is he seeking justice—or fleeing painful memories in London?

Wentworth was well-liked, yet his bitter family paint a malevolent portrait, calling him a murderer. But who did Wentworth kill? Is his death retribution? Or has his companion lied? Wolf Pit, his village, has a notorious history: in Medieval times, the last wolf in England was killed there. When a second suspicious death occurs, the evidence suggests that a dangerous predator is on the loose, and that death is closer than Rutledge knows.